SPL 2017: Lajong suffer shock draw, Rangdajied stun Wahingdoh

DEFENDING CHAMPS SHILLONG LAJONG suffered a shock draw at the start of their Shillong Premier League campaign, while Rangdajied United got a handsome 3-0 win.

Lajong, who won the last 3 editions of the local league, started their title defence under newly appointed coach Alison Kharsyntiew against the MLP Football Team. The semi-pro team surprised the I-League regulars and put on a good show in the first half which remained goalless. But early in the second half Shillong Lajong took the lead through Lalmuanpuia's strike.

But things took a bad turn from here for Lajong. Minutes later, Lalemkima's error saw him knock the ball into his own net. MLP had equalized but through a Lajong own goal. And for the rest of the game, despite their best efforts, Lajong could not break the deadlock. The match ended 1-1.

Photo: Shillong Lajong FC

Meanwhile, Rangdajied United, who started their campaign with a win against Shillong United, played their second game against another team that had left their mark in the top division; Wahingdoh Sports Club. Wahingdoh, coming off a loss to Malki, were the obvious underdogs in this game and it did not go well for them.

After a hard-fought first half which remained goalless, Wahingdoh's defence finally bucked in the second half before Rangdajied's perseverance. Kharumnuid took the lead just after the break, B Sun doubled it for RUFC after the hour mark and Malngiang's 70th minute strike sealed the game in Rangdajied's favour.

A 3-0 win, and 6 points in the bag from 2 games, meant Rangdajied are well off to establish themselves as title contenders this season.

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